Proud to be PHU Awards 2023 celebrate the best in Portsmouth's NHS staff: The winners in full

Winners of The News's Patient’s Choice Award: The Paediatric Oncology Team. Picture by Marcin Jedrysiak

More than 450 nominations were received from patients and colleagues for the 2023 Proud to be PHU Awards, recognising the outstanding teams and individuals who work together to provide the best possible care and experience for our patients and their loved ones.

The winners were announced at a ceremony at The Gaiety Southsea on South Parade Pier and included a special dance performance by PHU’s Onam dancers, as well as a sit-down meal for the shortlisted nominees.

Amongst the attendees were the Paediatric Oncology Team who won The News’ Patient Choice Award. They were nominated by Rosie, the mum of a child they have been caring for since she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2021. Rosie said: “This wonderful and dedicated team have put our daughter at the centre of every encounter and have made her feel safe in the scariest of circumstances.”

Working Together with Compassion Award: Laura David, Medicine Healthcare Support Worker, with Christine Slaymaker. Picture by Marcin Jedrysiak

Through a video message, Rosie shared at the ceremony how the team brought vital qualities to them such as laughter, understanding and a listening ear when they needed it most. She added: “Their kindness, humour, compassion, professionalism, pragmatism, and patience have made this experience more bearable for all of us. We are so thankful for all the team have done to help get us through a challenging few years.”

Other winners on the night included Healthcare Support Worker Laura David (Working Together with Compassion Award) for the positive energy she brings to her patients and team members; and Radiotherapy Technical Lead Ben Meigh (Working Together Always Improving Award), for the passion he has shown in improving the department for patients and colleagues.

Penny Emerit, chief executive at PHU NHS Trust, said: “We know that the past year has been challenging, but we should be proud of the work we have done as a team to benefit our patients and each other. This year we mark 75 years since the NHS was created and these awards give us the chance to celebrate how far we have come and reflect on our achievements. Congratulations to everyone nominated.”

Melloney Poole, chairman at PHU NHS Trust, added: “These awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the achievements of our colleagues. It’s incredibly inspirational to hear how we are supporting our patients and each other and all our nominees should be proud of what they have achieved.”